Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Condolences on death of President Chávez

I learned tonight
with sadness of the death of President Hugo Chávez.

On behalf of
Sinn Féin I want to extend my sincere condolences to Vice President Nicolás Maduro and to the people and government of Venezuela and
to the family of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez who died this evening in
Caracas.

President Chávez
worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Venezuelan citizens. He dedicated
himself to building a new and radical society in Venezuela.

His progressive
social and economic changes took millions out of poverty. He extended free
health care and education for all citizens and his re-lection last year with a
huge majority was testimony to his vision.

President Chávez
was a hugely influential figure in South America and in world politics. He was an
energetic and enthusiastic leader and when it was discovered that he had cancer
he confronted his illness with the same courage and determination that marked
his political life. He will be greatly missed.